Tahlequah Daily Press

Breaking News

Sports

Related Photos

  • Purdue quarterback Robert Marve is sacked for a loss of 5 yards by Oklahoma State defensive end Tyler Johnson during the third quarter of play at the Heart of Dallas Bowl Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Jason Elmquist/CNHI News Service

    OSU-T. Johnson.jpg

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
January 4, 2013

Cowboys’ defense ends 2012 on high note

By JASON ELMQUIST CNHI

DALLAS — The Oklahoma State defense saved its best performance for last in OSU’s 58-14 drubbing of Purdue in the Heart of Dallas Bowl on Tuesday.

With a five-takeaway game and a near shutout by the first team, the Cowboys showed the promise that they anticipated at the beginning of the 2012 season. And that is giving promise to a defensive group that expects to return a large core next season.

“This was a great boost. It just shows what we can do,” said junior safety Daytawion Lowe, who scored on a fumble recovery in the bowl game for OSU’s first and only defensive touchdown this season. “We’ve got a lot of guys coming back and this shows us what we can do and if we can play this way how successful we’ll be.”

One of the biggest returns could be at the top spot. Defensive coordinator Bill Young stated after the game that he doesn’t plan to retire just yet — a question that had been swirling around the OSU alum the past few weeks.

“If they’ll have me, I’ll be back,” Young said. “I’m just looking forward to getting this recruiting done. We’ve got some great recruits out there and need to get after it now.”

The word of Young’s plan to return next season to run the defense made its way to the players, who were more than happy to hear the news.

“Coach Young is a great coach and we’ve got to have him back another year because next year we feel like is going to be our year,” sophomore linebacker Lyndell Johnson said. “We know it’s going to be our year, so we’ve just got to start from the first day of spring.”

Lowe added, “He’s a great coach. He goes out there and gives us the best chance to win a game on Saturday.”

Having the coordinator and a large group of returnees coming off the big bowl win has the defense hopeful heading into the offseason.

“We have a chance to be even better next year. Our depth is going to be much better — and that’s the thing that killed us this year,” Young said. “... That last game is the one you always remember and we have all winter now to have that win behind us.”

Text Only
Sports
Poll

Should storm shelters be a mandatory part of construction in tornado-prone areas?

Yes, in all structures, whether they be public buildings or private homes and businesses.
Yes, but only in public buildings, like schools or stadiums; no for private homes and businesses.
No, storm shelters should not be mandatory, but perhaps government funds or grants should be available to those who choose to build them.
No, they should not be mandatory, and there should be no government funds for them.
Undecided.
     View Results
Press Sports Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
AP Video
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness "Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Stocks